Another year in Tatra Mountains and high time for hiking Koscielec Ridge (2155m) π. It’s a great adventure along quite a demanding trail… but nothing is easy in the Tatra Mountains.
Follow this step-by-step guide to help you prepare ahead of hiking Koscielec Peak. Here are some tips, advice, hiking and gear recommendations for this hike.
Before hiking Koscielec Peak.
- Prepare well – make sure to check the weather forecast before the hike and dress appropriately. Online cameras are available on: Tatra National Park: https://tpn.pl/ or Tatra Rescue Centre: https://pogoda.topr.pl/
- Get travel insurance – SafetyWing is my recommendation. Emergency rescue is free in Polish Tatra Mountains: Emergency lines:Β 985 or 601 100 300
- Go to the Tourist Information Center (You will find a few in Zakopane) and get a free Tatra Trails Map – this will give you a good idea of the hiking routes, although the trails are well marked with signs. There is also information on timings between certain sections, which will allow you to calculate the route time.
Good to know before hiking Koscielec Peak.
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
Route: There are different routes to reach Koscielec Peak, choose one that suits your fitness level and hiking experience. The most popular route starts from Murowaniec Hut – it’s a challenging but rewarding hike.
Terrain: It can get quite steep, there are few climbing sections. Make sure to check if the hike you are planning on doing is appropriate for your skill level.
Best time to hike: Summer. Winter hike requires good hiking & climbing skills.
Food & Drink: bring your own food and drinks (plenty of water).
When to hike Koscielec in Tatra Mountains?
Koscielec can be hiked all year round – however, it is NOT an easy mountain and you would need to climb a few rocky sections.
The best time to hike Koscielec is: June to September, the weather is quite dry with no snow/however storms may occur in summer months. Full hiking gear is required at any time of the year. In winter you would definitely need crampons and ice axe as a support for the rocky sections.Β
I was hiking Koscielec in October 2023 in unbelievably good weather conditions as for this time of the year: +24 Celsius degrees and zero clouds. Normally in October, the weather is wet and windy.
Even with such good weather, we saw a rescue helicopter running 3 times toward Red Peaks – which means the situation was pretty serious.Β Never underestimate the Tatra Mountains, even in the greatest weather conditions.Β
START EARLY: It’s a good idea to start hiking Koscielec early in the morning to avoid crowds and have enough time to complete the trek.
Hiking gear - what to take for Koscielec.
After years of hiking, this is a must-have set for most mountain hikes – remember it is better to have some extra equipment and food, than to run out of nutrition, water or dry clothes. Weather in mountains can be extremely changeable.
- Headlight
- plasters, whistle, mirror,
- Comfortable hiking shoes:Β
- Gel blisters!! Absolutely genius thing- your second skin even for hard injuries.Β
- Hiking backpack (25-35 liters), for years I have been using Northface and these are the most comfortable backpacks.
- Powerbank
- Windproof jacket (it’s a must),
- Rainproof jacket – highly recommended, however you can additionally have a packable lightweight raincoat,
- Climbing gloves – something you’ll find extremely useful for more challenging hiking trailsΒ
- Hat, sun lotion – always protect your skin – the sun in the mountains can be very aggressive,
- Comfortable hiking trousers,
- Food, high energy snacks: nuts, energy bars, chocolate, water (1.5l), hot tea with honey, lemon and ginger, you can take fruits (apple, banana, dates).
- Water bladder for hiking pack – Camel bag– really handy on more challenging hikes/climbs!Β
Best accommodation options in Zakopane.
I have recently stayed in Aparthotel pod Nosalem for 98$ for 3 nights! Fabolous place with a kitchen in the room.Β
The bus stop to Zakopane is 3 minutes from the place.Β
Aparthotel is located in Jaszczurowka (12 minutes from Zakopane center by bus), just in front of the famous Nosal slope, next to the Nosalowy Dwor Resort & Spa. And there’s a lovely cafe place and a restaurant nearby. In Aparthotel there’s a small spa (jacuzzi and sauna), pool table. Small kicthen and a bathroom are in every room.
Climbing route to Koscielec Peak.
My route to Koscielec from Zakopane: KUZNICE – PRZELECZ MIEDZY KOPAMI – HALA GASIENICOWA/PTTK MUROWANIEC (THE SHELTER) – CZARNY STAW GASIENICOWY (BLACK POND) – KARB (ridge) – KOSCIELEC – KARB – ZIELONY STAW GASIENICOWY (green pond) – MUROWANIEC – PSIA TRAWKA (The dog’s grass!) – BRZEZINY. From Murowaniec there are number of routes taking you down to the main road.
Route: 18 km (11 miles)
Total Ascent: 1310 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike duration: 8 to 10 hours (depending on a route and style).Β 7h – very experienced climbers.Β 8h β 9h Normal time when you take stops for photos and food,Β which makes the hike more relaxing and pleasurable.
Full guide on hiking Koscielec - step-by step.
Start the trek as early as possible: 7-8am the latest! Have at least 1 extra hour before it gets dark. In October it gets dark at 6pm β it is not allowed to be on a mountain trails after dark.
KUZNICE - the starting point for hiking Koscielec in Tatra Mountains.
STARTING POINT – KUZNICE, where the lower cable car station for Kasprowy Wierch is located. Normally local van bus would take you to Kuznice. NOTE in 2023 the road section from Jan Paul II roundabout to Kuznice parking is CLOSED due to renovation! Itβs a joke as the renovation was supposed to be finished long ago β but the road was still closed in October 2023 and looks like not much has been done so far. That means you will need to walk up from the roundabout to Kuznice lower cable car station for Kasprowy Wierch β itβs about 2km/40 minutes walk.
In Kuznice Parking area there are number of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, so you will be able to get coffee and breaky before the climb!
Kuznice - Hala Gasienicowa (the valley) - 1.55h.
At the beginning of the route there is a check point where you need to buy your ticket to Tatra National Park β 8PLN/2 Euro. From this point there are two trails to the valley – Dolina Gasienicowa – YELLOW trail AND BLUE trail – see the signs. Same time for both trails – up to you which you take. I took the yellow one this time, see the route on the picture.
Hala Gasienicowa - Murowaniec Hut.
The valley β Dolina Gasienicowa is one of the most beautiful and vosoted art of the lower Tatra Mountains. The valley is fully covered with purple flowers during spring time. 100m further you’ll find PTTK Murowaniec – the biggest shelter is located, great place to get your lunch or dinner on the way back. Cash payments are only accepted but there is an ATM inside the building. It is also a nice accommodation option if you book in advance.
Hala Gasienicowa - Black Pond/Czarny Staw Gasienicowy: 30-35 min.
From Hala Gasienicowa you are heading toward the Black Pond β Czarny Staw Gasienicowy, which has the most beautiful emerald colour π It is one of the most spectacular lakes in Polish Tatra Mountains, great spot to take a small break. In a good weather there should be lots of people.Β
From there you will be heading toward Karb. On the picture below I’m pointing Koscielec Peak.
Czarny Staw Gasienicowy - Karb (45min).
You pass the pond on your left to take a steeper rocky section taking you to Karb (at the elevation of 1853m.). This is a good warm up before the last section of hiking Koscielec Peak. The views are breathtaking. The trail gets more challenging and from Karb you have 55 minutes to climb Koscielec.
Check two other spectacular trails in Tatra Mountains.
Hiking Zawrat, one of the most stunning peak in Tatra Mountains.
Table of Contents Hiking Zawrat is definitely one of the most challenging but scenic
Full guide and safety tips for hiking Kasprowy Wierch (1987m) in Tatra Mountains.
Kasprowy Wierch is probably one of the most famous destinations in Tatra National Park.
From Karb to Koscielec Peak! (50 min).
This is a very difficult climbing section, there are no βhelpersβ like chains or ladders. A few times you will need to stop and let people pass. Stay safe and wear headgear on this section β it was so good to see people properly equipped β finally, safety comes first and itβs obvious people became aware of how dangerous are higher parts of the Tatra Mountains. The trail is steep and be careful with stones falling along the way. Few rocky sections require pure climbing, so be prepared for some bouldering – see photos below.
Overall, it is a beautiful route with magnificent views from the top. It gets really challenging with strong winds β so check the forecast properly.
Koscielec Peak 2155m.
Finally on the top!Β
The last few sections are difficult but you will be able to manage if you have some climbing experience. Never hike Koscielec without proper hiking shoes.Β
You can always take a guided hike if you donβt feel comfortable doing it alone. There are plenty of licensed guides that you can hire in Zakopane.Β
Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top, the landscape in a good weather is magnificent.
Koscielec - Karb (50 min) - Zielony Staw Gasienicowy (Green Pond) (25 min)
From Koscielec Peak you hike down the same route to reach Karb. From there you may take the trail you took up or take a left trail toward Green Pond (Zielony Staw Gasienicowy), which is more pleasant.
From there you will be heading toward PTTK Murowaniec – the Shelter, where you can grab hot tea or some food after a demanding hike.
From PTTK Murowaniec there are a number of trails down toward the main road and Zakopane. I took a longer trail to Brzeziny, it is a very pleasant forest path. Once again a view from the top.Β
10 top attractions and things to do in Zakopane in Poland!
Zakopane is located on the south of Poland in the majestic mountain area of Tatra National
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